Ten Hag insists he is still the right man to lead Manchester United

Caretaker December 31, 2023

0 495 2 minutes read

Dutch manager, Erik Ten Hag insists he is the right man to lead Manchester United FC despite a poor start to the 2023/2024 season with significant changes expected with the arrival of new-investors INEOS.

Erik ten Hag is resolute in his belief that the team’s fortunes will improve once they have a fuller squad next month.

The Red Devils on Saturday, December 30, 2023, suffered their 14th defeat of the season against Nottingham Forest, with ten players unavailable due to injury and illness, further complicating an already challenging season.

READ ALSO: Ola Aina stars as Nottingham Forest defeat Manchester United

Despite the extensive injury list, Ten Hag has consistently emphasized that it does not excuse the team’s poor form. However, he attributes some of the struggles to the frequent changes enforced by injuries, preventing the team from perfecting essential “routines.”

Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford was present at the City Ground, and with the new investors set to take over football operations at United, the pressure on Ten Hag is expected to intensify.

The recent loss to Nottingham Forest has marked a historical low for United, as they haven’t experienced this many defeats at the turn of the year since the 1930-31 season when they were relegated.

Despite the challenges, Ten Hag remains convinced that he is the right person to lead the club forward.

“Of course, but they (Ineos) know me and they know when I have a squad what is available then the results will be there,” Ten Hag stressed. “We already proved against the top teams we can go head-to-head.

“So I am convinced and have a strong belief we get progress in this team, that we get more consistency in the moment. This is part of a project.

“We were overperforming last year, this year so far we are underperforming. We have to do better, we have to step up and I have to lead that process.”

“One thing is sure: every time you have to swap, the routines are not there and top football is going quick,” Ten Hag explained, “so you need the communication in the split moment.”

“I believe that [results will improve]. I know when players return then I am sure this side will be stronger. That’s the job, you have to clinically analyse this, then you know where it’s coming from.

We have a lack of routines, we have to work on that.” he said.

Caretaker December 31, 2023

0 495 2 minutes read